Federal candidate for the seat of Hughes Brent Thomas has called for the process to be restarted.

"I have called on the Federal Government to immediately stop the flailing and uncertain intermodal planning process," Thomas has been quoted as saying in the Liverpool Echo.

But his position has left Albanese’s office perplexed, with a spokesman saying: "The process hasn’t started."

He added that funding for the consultation had been given the go-ahead in the Budget but consultation was yet to begin.

Thomas might struggle to get industrial backing for his position on the project, which is seen as crucial to tackling congestion on roads leading to Port Botany.

TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon welcomed funding for the planning and development for Moorebank when the Budget was handed down in May but cautioned that the consultation was crucial.

"The $70 million for Moorebank intermodal terminal transport hub is excellent news, and once completed, should help drivers by taking pressure off some of Sydney’s busiest roads as well as meet future freight needs," Sheldon said at the time.

"But the government should have full consultation with the community, and make sure that when the infrastructure is put in place there is a positive impact on jobs in Sydney’s southwest."